Vonj has a dynamic and genre-blending collective of talented musicians from across Europe, rooted in jazz, soul, funk, and experimental fusion. Each member brings a rich tapestry of experience, creating a vibrant, collaborative energy on stage.
Djo Carpentier (Saxophone – France):
Djo is a seasoned French saxophonist whose life is completely defined by an enduring, open-minded passion for music. For Djo, the saxophone is a fluid extension of the voice—a medium for constant artistic growth, deep expression, and boundless exploration. Decades of diverse performance experience have shaped him into a highly adaptable artist, admired within the jazz community for a playing style that seamlessly balances refined technical facility with raw, emotional storytelling. He approaches the horn not just as a player, but as a lifelong student of sound, always pushing the boundaries of his phrasing, harmonic language, and tone.
Beyond the stage, Djo’s devotion to the instrument encompasses the full spectrum of the craft. As a passionate educator, he passes on his decades of knowledge to the next generation, teaching saxophone with the same open-minded philosophy that guides his own playing.
His intimate connection to the horn extends into his specialized saxophone repair shop. There, his master-craftsman's understanding of acoustics, keywork mechanics, and physical resonance allows him to breathe new life into the instruments of fellow musicians. Whether he is shaping a delicate jazz ballad on stage, inspiring a student in the studio, or meticulously adjusting a vintage horn at the workbench, Djo’s entire life is a testament to the art, science, and soul of the saxophone.
David Farrel (Drums --- Ireland):
Born in Dublin, he discovered his calling behind the kit at age 17 and immediately threw himself into the pursuit of rhythm. To build a world-class foundation, he pursued rigorous formal studies at the world-renowned Tech Music School (now BIMM London) and BIMM Dublin, meticulously honing his technical facility, rudimental control, and adaptability across genres.
For a drummer, the true test is real-world performance, and he forged his formidable internal clock and raw dynamic control on the pavement. As a street performer, he logged countless hours performing extensively across the UK, mastering the art of acoustic projection, crowd engagement, and improvisational stamina outside the comfort of a studio.
Dan Bowen (Trombone/Brass – Wales):
Dan has a deep-rooted passion for music that stems from his upbringing in brass bands. Over the years, he found a real love for big band music, captivated by the warm, rich sounds of legends like Count Basie, Glenn Miller, and Duke Ellington, which have since shaped his musical journey. For the past six years, Dan has volunteered as the Musical Director of the Bath University Big Band, helping to build a thriving community of musicians while leading the ensemble through numerous memorable performances across the city and beyond. Alongside this, he also enjoys playing in smaller, more intimate ensembles, sharing his passion for jazz and funk music and finding real joy in collaborating with others, vibing off their energy, and constantly learning through the shared experience of making music together.
Jorge Fundo (Bass – Portugal):
Armed with a formidable jazz pedigree and an unwavering devotion to the groove, he has carved out a reputation as a powerhouse player who commands the low end with authority. His musical DNA is rooted in the golden era of the instrument,
his lifelong musical journey has taken Jorge across international borders, creating unforgettable moments on stages throughout Portugal and the UK. Whether performing for vibrant crowds in his native Portugal or collaborating with top-tier UK talent, his devotion to the stage remains the same. Jorge lives for those transcendent moments when the band is perfectly in sync, the crowd is moving, and the music takes over completely.
Wilfred Armfield (Drums -- England):
Driven by an insatiable rhythm and over two decades of dedication, Wilfred has spent his life mastering the kit and redefining his sonic boundaries. His musical journey began in the intricate, unpredictable world of math rock, where he developed a sharp instinct for complex time signatures, precise syncopation, and rigorous technical control.
This foundational discipline evolved dynamically during his university years, where Wilfred immersed himself in the worlds of funk and jazz. By blending the groove-heavy, pocket-driven nature of funk with the improvisational freedom of jazz, he forged a distinct, high-energy playing style. Today He is perpetually on the hunt for new global influences, modern genres, and collaborative inspiration—ensuring his playing remains fresh, unpredictable, and exciting for audiences and fellow musicians alike.
Balint Hrecska (Bass --- Hungary):
Bristol-based bassist Balint "Bal" Hrecska has played bass for over two decades across jazz, blues, funk, and rock. After early classical training, he picked up the bass at 19 and studied jazz and rock at the prestigious MZTSZ Kőbányai Zenei Stúdió under Béla Lattmann, Viktor Hárs, and Egon Póka.
He has toured, recorded, and played major Central European and UK festivals, including Sziget and EuropaFEST. Now active in the UK scene, he has worked with projects such as Tettamanti Téma, Unisex, Lawrence & The Business, C S Fly, and Atonic. He joined Vonj in August 2026. His playing is heavily influenced by masters like Jaco Pastorius, Gary Willis, Geezer Butler, Marcus Miller, György Szappanos, and Béla Lattmann.
Marick Baxter (Flute - England):
A multi-instrumentalist and the Director of the Bath Folk Festival who has dedicated his life to championing music and the arts. His unique musical journey began at 17 while living on the streets and travelling with buskers. Driven by a spirit of adventure, he hitchhiked to Ireland with just a five-pound note and his dog, eventually landing in Galway to spend three years studying Irish traditional music under virtuoso whistle player Mary Bergin.
After falling in love with the flute, Marick integrated the breathwork and philosophy of Chinese martial arts into his practice to deepen his connection to the instrument. An incredibly versatile performer, he has collaborated with a vast array of projects spanning Irish, Scottish, and European folk, reggae, psychedelic rock, bhangra, and West African music.
Alex Alderson (Keys/Vocals – England):
For this English keyboardist, vocalist, and songwriter, the piano has never been a tool for self-display, but rather a lifelong sanctuary of expression. His relationship with the keys began at just six years old with rigorous classical training. This formative upbringing instilled in him a deep respect for the instrument's touch, mechanics, and heritage. Yet, rather than staying confined to traditional boundaries, his innate curiosity and humble approach to learning led him to branch out, treating every musical genre as a masterclass from which to learn and evolve.
Today, his artistry thrives in the spaces between genres. Driven by a pure passion for sonic exploration, He approaches contemporary keyboard playing with a rare, open-minded philosophy: effortlessly blending the sophisticated chord voicings of one genre with the infectious, driving rhythms of another.
Whether he is laying down a rich harmonic bed, weaving intricate solos, or pairing his keys with his own vocals and songwriting, his playing remains entirely serving of the music. He approaches every performance, collaboration, and composition with the same quiet humility of that six-year-old student, coupled with the fiery passion of a contemporary innovator who believes that music holds no limits.
Together, Vonj live is a melting pot of musical backgrounds and styles, united by a shared love for groove, improvisation, and the transformative power of live music.
